That opened the way for lefty Franklin Morales to open the season as the fifth starter and means that Rule 5 draft right-hander Tommy Kahnle will likely start the season in the bullpen.

Weiss said that the Rockies were pleased with the progress Lyles made with his mechanics, but made it clear that Morales won the job. The lefty went 3-1 this spring with a 2.21 ERA over 20 1/3 innings. He struck out 23 and walked six, holding opposing hitters to a .205 average.

"Frankie, at this point and time, gives us our best shot as a starter," Weiss said. "In the final analysis, he won that spot with how he pitched."

Weiss also said that Morales is a different pitcher than the rookie flamethrower who pitched for the Rockies during their 2007 run to the World Series.

"He's particularly improved against right-handed hitters," Weiss said. "We saw that this spring where he's relying on the cutter and split-finger against right-handed hitters.

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"He's got more weapons to attack those guys now, more than he did the first time around with us. Then, he was a hard thrower with a big breaking ball. That's basically what he was."

Chacin and Logan's stint on the 15-day DL is retroactive to March 21st. Logan is expected to rejoin the club as early as April 5. Chacin is expected to be out until early May.

Six-man outfield: On Friday, Weiss explained why the Rockies will break camp with six outfielders on their opening-day roster.

"We felt like all of those guys brought something that can help us win games." Weiss said. "It's a little unorthodox in design. I'm not sure how long we will be able to sustain it, but it give us a lot weapons, particularly later in games."

Chatwood injuries leg

Rockies' right-hander starter Tyler Chatwood left Friday night's Cactus League game against the Mariners in third inning with a leg injury.

New coordinator pushes Buffs to work, play at level he expectsJim Leavitt has discovered this much about his new defense at Colorado: He has some talent with which to work, but his players need to put it in another gear. Full Story

New coordinator pushes Buffs to work, play at level he expectsJim Leavitt has discovered this much about his new defense at Colorado: He has some talent with which to work, but his players need to put it in another gear. Full Story